Significant racial disparities in eligibility for lung cancer screening in the United States has been found in a new study. The research, led by Anand Narayan, MD, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, found that Black individuals are less likely to meet eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening compared to white individuals, despite having a higher risk of lung cancer.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2017 and 2020. The researchers found that among individuals at high risk for lung cancer, only 14.6% of Black adults were eligible for screening, compared to 16.9% of white adults.
“Our findings highlight the need for more inclusive lung cancer screening criteria,” said Dr. Narayan. “Current guidelines may be exacerbating existing health disparities by disproportionately excluding Black individuals who could benefit from early detection.”
The study also found that Black individuals were more likely to be current smokers but had lower pack-year smoking histories, which is a key criterion for lung cancer screening eligibility. The authors suggest that incorporating other risk factors, such as family history and environmental exposures, could help reduce disparities in screening access.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has been at the forefront of research on health disparities and is committed to finding solutions to address these inequities. The study’s findings underscore the importance of continued efforts to ensure equitable access to life-saving cancer screening programs for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.
See “Study Evaluates Disparities in Opportunities for Lung Cancer Screening” (May 22, 2024)
